2020 Seat Leon Hatchback Photos, engines & full specs

SEAT unveiled the fourth generation of its successful Leon lineup in 2020 at the Martorell factory at the beginning of 2020, and it was available in two shapes: a hatchback and a station wagon. Unlike the third generation of the Leon, this one was no longer available in a three-door configuration.

The world was already aware of the upcoming pandemic situation, and automakers tried to release their latest models as soon as they could. In Spain, things were somehow relaxed since only in mid-March the lockdown started, and at the end of January, SEAT launched the Leon Mk IV. The car was based on the same MQB Evo platform shared with the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia, and Audi A3. But unlike its siblings, the Leon had the most aggressive exterior design. In addition, it was also the starting point for the sporty brand Cupra, which previously was just a trim level for the SEAT brand.

At the front, the 2020 Leon featured an angular design with a shield-like grille adorned by a chicken-wire pattern design and surrounded by a gray-satin rim. Its LED headlights incorporated triangular-shaped daytime running lights, and the headlamps featured a narrower inner area than on their outer side. The lower bumper sported a lower grille flanked by fake air scoops that sported the optional LED fog lamps. From its profile, the Leon showed sculptured doors and a sloped-down roofline with a tiny triangular third window behind the rear doors. At the back, the tilted forward tailgate featured a roof spoiler where the third brake light found its place. Underneath the rear bumper, SEAT placed fake exhausts. Still, the most attractive side of the rear fascia was the red light bar that crossed the vehicle from side to side, connecting the taillights.

The interior design sported a minimalist design but with a display for the instrument cluster instead of analog dials. Atop the center stack, SEAT used the same touchscreen as the Golf, and just like its sibling, it didn’t feature a turning knob for the volume. Most buttons were touch-sensitive, and that made them difficult to operate during nighttime driving situations. The standard front seats in the base model were quite supportive, but the automaker also offered a set of high-bolstered ones for the upper trim levels, such as the FR. In the back, there was room for three adults on the split-folding seat bench, but with limited legroom for the middle-seated passenger.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a choice of gasoline or diesel engines, which sent their power to the front wheels only via five or six-speed manuals or six or seven-speed automatics (dual clutch). Surprisingly, even if the Golf and the A3 were available with an all-wheel-drive system, the SEAT was not. Instead, those who wanted to get the car with traction on all four corners could get the Cupra-branded version.